Who was Marvin Gaye, what were the Let’s Get It On singer’s hit songs, how did he die and what was his net worth?
MARVIN Gaye was an international star, thanks to his career as a singer.
But what were his hit songs? And how much was he worth? Here's the lowdown.
Who was Marvin Gaye?
Marvin Gaye was born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. on April 2, 1939.
He was an American singer, songwriter and record producer.
Marvin was the son of church minister Marvin Gay Sr., and domestic worker Alberta Gay.
He started singing in church when he was four years old, with his father often accompanying him on piano.
The singer helped to shape the sound of Motown in the 1960s, first as an in-house session player and later as a solo artist with a string of hits.
Since his death, he has posthumously received many awards and honours - including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
What were Marvin's hit songs?
- Aint No Mountain High Enough
- Sexual Healing
- Inner City Blues
- Got to Give it Up
- Mercy Mercy Me
- You're All I Need to Get Bye
- I Heard it Through the Grapevine
- What's Going On
- How Sweet It Is
- Let's Get It On
How did Marvin die?
Marvin was killed by his father.
On April 1, 1984, while Marvin was in his bedroom, his dad Marvin Gay Sr., shot him in the heart and then in his left shoulder,
Minutes earlier, the two men had been involved in a physical altercation when Marvin intervened in a fight between his parents.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
More on Marvin Gaye
What was Marvin's net worth?
When he died Marvin had a wealth of $5 million (£3.7 million).
That would be around $12 million (£10 million) now.
This was earned through his hit songs and concerts.